Erika J. Kendrick is a bestselling author, an award-winning national speaker, and a mental fitness expert. She earned a psychology degree from Stanford University and an MBA in marketing and international business from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Erika was an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls before writing her novels, Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader and Appetite (Random House). She is currently touring her bestselling middle grade novels, Squad Goals, Cookie Monsters, and Instafamous, (Little, Brown Publishing). 

After battling her brain pain, Erika founded Mental Fitness for Life where she launched her Mental Fitness book tour, “Who Moved My Happy?” While talking to audiences of all backgrounds and ages, Erika shares her story of brain pain and inspires hope by creating safe spaces for life-saving conversations. She has presented, keynoted, and guest lectured at colleges and universities across the country as well as the US Army and Air Force, national sororities and fraternities, middle and high schools, conferences, and Fortune 500 corporations. She has toured with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and is a speaker with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) where she has been inducted into their Hall of Fame. 

Erika is also the founder of Publishing Prep, a boutique program created to assist the aspiring author navigate the often overwhelming publishing landscape with confidence and clarity. Drawing on her own experiences as a bestselling author, Erika designed Publishing Prep to include signature courses, mini workshops, bestselling author panels, feedback sessions with editors, and agent webinars—all tailored to empower writers to achieve their publishing dreams. 

Share your journey and your success in 2024. 

My journey has been anything but linear, but every step has shaped me into who I am today. I started as a college student at Stanford navigating clinical depression and bipolar disorder, challenges that eventually led me to discover my true purpose. Writing became my lifeline, giving me a voice and sparking a career as a bestselling author. My middle grade novels—Squad Goals, Cookie Monsters, and Instafamous—blend humor and mental health themes to empower young readers and normalize conversations around anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

In 2024, I had the honor of touring Instafamous, speaking to hundreds of 5th and 6th graders about social media, resilience, and mental fitness. It was an incredible experience to see my work inspire young minds and spark important conversations. Additionally, I expanded my national mental fitness tour, Who Moved My Happy?, which continues to break down mental health stigmas and help audiences build emotional resilience.

Another highlight this year was growing Publishing Prep, the boutique program I founded to guide aspiring authors on their path to publication. Combining practical tools like courses, author panels, and feedback sessions with a focus on mental fitness, this program has helped so many writers take confident steps toward achieving their publishing dreams.

From writing and speaking to mentoring the next generation of storytellers, 2024 has been a year of purpose, growth, and impact—a true testament to the power of resilience and the importance of sharing our stories.

You are currently touring your bestselling middle grade novels, Squad Goals, Cookie Monsters, and Instafamous, (Little, Brown Publishing). Tell us about the inspiration for your books. 

The inspiration for my middle grade novels—Squad Goals, Cookie Monsters, and Instafamous—comes from a combination of my own experiences and my passion for empowering young readers. As someone who has faced mental health challenges, I wanted to create stories that not only entertain but also provide a safe space for kids to see themselves, feel less alone, and understand that their feelings are valid.

Each book features a diverse cast of characters, reflecting the beautiful variety of backgrounds, experiences, and voices in our world. These stories are packed with humor and heart, creating fun, relatable, and entertaining adventures that keep young readers engaged while also offering valuable life lessons.

In Squad Goals, I explore themes of friendship, identity, and resilience, inspired by the ever-changing dynamics kids face in their social circles. Cookie Monsters dives into the complexities of dealing with grief and self-discovery, wrapped in a sweet, humorous narrative. Instafamous tackles the pressures of social media and the importance of authenticity and self-worth, showing readers that there’s so much more to life than likes and followers.

What ties all of my books together is a focus on mental fitness. Through relatable characters facing challenges like anxiety, ADHD, or self-esteem issues, I aim to normalize conversations around mental health and encourage young readers to embrace their unique journeys. My hope is that these stories inspire resilience, compassion, and the courage to thrive—all while delivering plenty of laughs and lots of fun along the way!

Tell us about Mental Fitness for Life and your Mental Fitness book tour.  What was your catalyst for your book tour?

Mental Fitness for Life is the name of my company that I launched ten years ago. It originated from mental fitness being at the heart of everything I do. It’s about equipping people—especially young readers, aspiring authors, and families in distress—with the tools they need to build resilience, navigate challenges, and thrive emotionally and mentally. This philosophy is woven into my books, my speaking engagements, and my signature workbook, Who Moved My Happy?

My “Who Moved My Happy?” The book tour was born out of a deep desire to break down mental health stigmas and spark life-saving conversations, particularly among young people. As someone who has faced my own mental health challenges, I know how isolating it can feel—and I also know the incredible power of connection, vulnerability, and support.

The catalyst for the tour was a combination of personal and professional purpose. After hearing from so many families that they’d found solace in my personal story of suicide survival, I realized how much more could be done to empower people to prioritize their mental well-being. The tour allows me to bring my message directly to schools, organizations, and communities, where I can engage with audiences face-to-face, share my journey, and provide proven, practical tools for cultivating mental fitness.

This experience has been incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s helping a student feel seen, giving a parent hope, or inspiring someone to take the first step toward their happiness, the tour is a reminder of why I do what I do. Together, we’re proving that mental health matters and that every person deserves the tools to live a full, vibrant, and joyful life.

What is your mission? 

My mission is to empower people to prioritize their mental fitness, embrace their unique journeys, and realize their full potential. Whether it’s through my middle grade novels, my national “Who Moved My Happy?” workbook and tour, or my Publishing Prep writer’s program, everything I do is centered on creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations and equipping others with the tools they need to thrive.

I’m passionate about breaking down stigmas around mental health, particularly for young people, and showing them that it’s okay to struggle and ask for help. My books weave humor and relatable stories with important messages about resilience, self-worth, and mental well-being. Through my speaking engagements, I aim to give audiences practical strategies to anchor themselves in happiness and navigate life’s challenges.

Additionally, through Publishing Prep, I help aspiring authors turn their publishing dreams into reality by providing the tools, guidance, and mental fitness strategies they need to succeed. By combining practical resources with encouragement and support, I aim to inspire confidence in storytellers at every stage of the journey.

Ultimately, my mission is about connection—helping people see that they’re not alone and that their dreams, happiness, and mental health are worth fighting for. By sharing my journey and creating resources that inspire hope, I strive to spark transformation in others so they can live full, vibrant, and joyful lives.

You are a well-known keynote. Which keynotes had a profound impact in your life?

As a keynote speaker, some of the most profound moments in my career have come from sharing my journey and seeing the impact it has on audiences. My keynotes focus on mental fitness, resilience, and empowering others to prioritize their happiness and pursue their dreams.

One of my most impactful keynotes is Who Moved My Happy?, which explores my personal journey of overcoming mental health challenges and provides actionable tools to help others stay anchored in their happiness. This talk has resonated deeply with audiences, from students and educators to Fortune 500 corporations and military personnel. Seeing attendees leave inspired and equipped to tackle their own challenges is the most rewarding part of my work.

Another signature keynote, Mental Fitness for Life, delves into the importance of building emotional resilience and shares practical strategies for thriving in today’s world. This topic is especially close to my heart because it highlights the power of connection and the value of equipping ourselves—and the next generation—with the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs.

My keynotes and workshops often focus on addressing mental health challenges such as depression, bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideations—topics I’ve faced personally. As someone with lived experience, I emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms, while also providing actionable strategies for seeking help and treatment. From therapy to building a strong support system and practicing mental fitness, my goal is to equip audiences with the tools to navigate their struggles and find hope, healing, and resilience.

Upcoming, I’ll be speaking at several conferences and schools nationwide, including events focused on youth empowerment, education, and mental health advocacy. I’m also excited to bring my Publishing Prep insights to aspiring writers, with online workshops and panels designed to help them navigate the publishing process with confidence and clarity.

Each keynote is an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations, break down stigmas, and inspire transformation. I’m honored to share my story and mission with audiences, and I can’t wait to continue empowering others to thrive.

Abbreviated Keynote Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEvuD9cwQmk

Abbreviated Keynote Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slGSt3xC8vc

What’s next? 

What’s next is continuing to expand the impact of my work in both writing, speaking, and teaching. I’m currently developing new stories that dive even deeper into relatable and diverse characters navigating life’s challenges with humor and heart for young readers. My next book is a YA thriller that promises to bring even more excitement and connection for readers of all ages.

On the speaking front, I’m growing my “Who Moved My Happy?” tour to reach even more schools, organizations, and communities, spreading the message that mental health matters and equipping people with actionable tools for wellness. I’m also expanding my Publishing Prep program to include more resources for aspiring authors, helping them confidently step into the publishing world while staying mentally strong.

Ultimately, what’s next is more connection, more empowerment, and more opportunities to help others embrace their unique journeys, prioritize their mental fitness, and achieve their dreams. I’m excited for the road ahead and grateful for every chance to inspire transformation and growth!

Website: https://www.publishingprep.com/

Facebook: @erikakendrick

Instagram: @erikajkendrick